Customer Reviews

Atavismo!: My Home in Italy

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read several books on personal memories of Italy but this is the best that I've found! It reminded me of the happy childhood days I spent in my Italian Grandma's kitchen watching her cook while she told me stories of the old country. It is the perfect blend of "feel good" family stories and descriptions of food that make you want to run out to your local Italian restaurant--or even better, try the family recipes that Ann lists at the end. I admit that I'd love to have an experience like this. Read it and you'll understand! It definitely appeals to all of your senses!
It's written as though the author were right there telling you her story in her own words without a lot of other stuff that you don't care about.
Anyone with Italian roots or wanted to be Italian should read this book.

I particularly enjoyed Anna Maria's discovery of her Italian family. Through her writing I sensed how meeting them enriched her life. For myself,I created her family tree of relatives to guide my understanding of her relationships. This seemed to make me a member of her family. Bringing me on her journey was her gift to me.

A charming woman writing about a little-visited region of Italy. But, oh good gosh - why wasn't someone proofing this book?? Spelling and grammer errors in her Italian, and generally weak English composition were a constant distraction to me as I read of her very personnel adventures which were a wonderful exploration of her family history in Abruzzo.

Such an interesting story and because it is a true adventure, all the more meaningful. Could relate to so many thoughts of the author. One just hasn't lived until experiencing a visit to Italy or to Sicily. Having done both, I suggest that everyone try it just once; you will never be the same! I found this book to be a great read and I know that all book lovers will enjoy it, too .
G. Villalba,
Idaho

I initially met the author in the Rome airport struggling to find change to pay for parking. Realizing she was speaking English, we had a small discussion and she handed me her card as she told me she had just published a book about Italy and my husband and I and my sister and her husband were just beginning our trek through much of Italy. I purchased her book and enjoyed reading about her ancestors, home, and her little corner of Italy. I have since returned to Italy and my next trip will definitely include a stop in Anna Maria's corner....of Italy.